Earlier this month, SI’s UN Reps in New York, Lois Beilin and Carol Themm, attended the Civil Society Hearings on the Least Developed Countries, in advance of the Fourth UN Conference on the Least Developed Countries (LDCs) which will take place in
In preparation for the main meeting in Turkey, a meeting for civil society organisations and NGOs was held on April 1st. This afforded an opportunity to bring issues and comments concerning the poorest of countries before the United Nations General Assembly. Frequently, NGOs provide a unique interpretation to the needs and problems faced by the poor people of the world.
For the most part, NGOs were very critical of the advances made. It is significant that in the last ten years, only three (out of 51) countries have been moved out of the designation of Least Developed Country.
Several emerging issues such as the global financial crisis and climate change have increased the risks that the poorest countries face. In addition, global trade agreements and crop subsidies in wealthier countries create unfair pricing of commodities.
NGOs have recommended that the UN consider the following:
- Complete and total debt relief;
- Fair and equitable trade agreements;
- A curb on military spending;
- Larger allocation of resources to sustainable growth in the least developed countries.
The emphasis on sustainable development, particularly focusing on agricultural societies in the LDCs, was paramount during the hearings. However, in the developing world, WOMEN are the farmers. If decisions and policies for poverty alleviation do not take into account gender equality, no gains will ever be made.
It is here that SOROPTIMISTS can continue to advocate for greater participation of WOMEN at all the levels of government and society.
To find out more, visit www.ldc4istanbul.org
To watch a web cast of the discussions which took place with civil society, click here.